Dutch beat Malta to open three-point lead in World Cup qualifying group

Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo converted two penalties while Tijjani Reijnders and Memphis Depay also scored in a 4-0 win away to Malta on Thursday as the Dutch opened up a three-point lead in World Cup qualifying Group G.

The victory moved the Netherlands to 13 points ahead of second-placed Poland, who have also played five matches, and Finland, who have 10 points from six games.

The result puts the Dutch closer to World Cup qualification with a home game against Finland in Amsterdam on Sunday, giving them a chance to consolidate their position.

Gakpo converted the first spot kick after 12 minutes and the second four minutes into the second half before teeing up Reijnders for the third goal in the 57th. Depay netted a header in stoppage time to wrap up a comfortable win.